Did you hear? Amazon is shutting down its Fresh and Go stores, surprising shoppers and employees alike. While physical locations will soon disappear, questions remain about online grocery delivery and what will happen to store staff. The closures follow an internal review of store performance and shopping habits. Many wonder if grocery delivery from Amazon.com will continue or stop entirely. With the company shifting focus to Whole Foods Market and online operations, this move signals a major shake-up in how Amazon handles groceries.
Closure Timeline
Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores will close within days, with most locations shutting on Sunday, February 1. Stores in California will remain open 45 extra days due to local labour rules. After this, all physical Fresh and Go outlets will cease operations. Despite these closures, Amazon confirmed that grocery delivery from Amazon.com will continue without interruption. The company is shifting attention to online services and Whole Foods Market. This ensures customers can still order groceries while physical stores disappear.
Stores Affected in Washington
The Seattle area sees significant closures. Amazon Fresh locations include Factoria in Bellevue and two Seattle stores on Aurora Avenue and S. Jackson Street. Amazon Go stores in Bellevue, Mill Creek, Puyallup, and Seattle will also close, including the original Go store at Amazon headquarters. Overall, 11 stores in Washington are impacted. This affects both casual shoppers and frequent users who rely on these convenient locations. Customers now have to adjust to online deliveries or visit Whole Foods stores instead.
Full List of Amazon Fresh Stores Closing
Here are the Amazon Fresh stores shutting down:
Factoria – 3901 Factoria Square Mall SE, Bellevue, WA
Seattle – 13201 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA
Seattle – 2301 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA
Shoppers who visited these locations will need to switch to online delivery or Whole Foods Market stores. The closures mark a clear pivot in Amazon’s grocery strategy, focusing on digital channels and larger stores with better customer experience potential.
Full List of Amazon Go Stores Closing
Amazon Go closures include:
Bellevue – 10819 4th St. NE
Mill Creek – 13209 39th Ave SE
Puyallup – 15518 Meridian Ave & 17710 Canyon Road E
Seattle – 1122 Madison St., 300 Boren Ave N, 2131 7th Ave, 1906 Terry Ave
The closures indicate that Amazon’s cashierless Go stores, despite tech innovations, did not meet expansion or profitability goals. Shoppers who loved the convenience will now rely on online options or new store formats.
Why Amazon is Closing These Stores
Amazon reportedly says the stores didn’t provide the customer experience needed for large expansion. The business model didn’t support growth, while analysts noted Amazon Fresh stores were similar to regular grocery chains. The Just Walk Out tech in Amazon Go stores didn’t significantly change shopping behaviour or attract new customers at the scale Amazon expected. By concentrating on Whole Foods and online delivery, Amazon aims to strengthen areas with proven growth and higher returns.
What Happens to Employees
Amazon hasn’t shared the exact number of affected employees, but staff will reportedly be offered roles in other Amazon divisions. Employees will receive 90 days of full pay and benefits. Many may transition to fulfillment centers, logistics, or other roles within the company. Amazon emphasises support during this transition to retain talent. For workers, the closure is a shift, but the company ensures opportunities in its wider network, reflecting a structured approach to workforce management amid operational changes.
Online Grocery Delivery Continues
Grocery delivery from Amazon.com will keep running, even after store closures. The service now reaches over 5,000 cities and towns, offering same-day delivery of fresh food in many areas. Amazon Fresh online will remain active, allowing customers to order everything from fruits and vegetables to packaged groceries. The company is strengthening its digital grocery operations, making sure shoppers can still access essential items while physical stores are phased out.
Amazon’s Future Grocery Strategy
Post-closures, Amazon is investing heavily in Whole Foods Market. The chain has reportedly grown over 40 per cent since 2017, and Amazon plans to open 100+ new locations. Some Amazon Fresh outlets may be converted into Whole Foods stores, offering a larger store footprint with premium and local products. Amazon is also exploring new formats, including in-store grocery sections and supercenter-style stores, while focusing on online growth to meet rising consumer demand.
Technology and New Formats
Amazon Go technology, including Just Walk Out systems, will continue in other locations such as hospitals, offices, and stadiums. The company also uses it in over 40 fulfillment center breakrooms. Meanwhile, new formats are being tested, blending Amazon Grocery inside Whole Foods or large supercenter setups. This ensures technology and digital grocery continue to play a central role, even as Fresh and Go stores close, providing customers with convenience while optimising Amazon’s grocery business for the future.